Modern Wedding Songs…are there really that many?
Modern Wedding Songs…are there really that many?
As a DJ Entertainer, and singer, specializing in Weddings over 15 years, I’m usually the first to say that there’s a shortage of truly great love songs today. Gone are the days of Celine Dion, Shania Twain, and Bryan Adams busting out yet another song that tugged at the heartstrings of lovers both young and old. Though, if you happen to have attended several weddings over a decade ago, you just might be glad that “My Heart Will Go On” has indeed ”sailed” on! 
So many of today’s slow songs seem to speak of broken hearts and love gone wrong; even Bruno Mars sings about what he should have done when he was “still your man.” For ears tuned solely to Top 40 Radio and its popular artists, it’s becoming
increasingly difficult for couples to find a song that speaks of
the love they’ve found, mutual feelings they share, and true
lasting connection that makes them take the walk down the aisle to say “I DO.”
For many couples, a trip far back in time introduces them to some incredible classics, which to this day stand the test of time and still make for amazing Wedding Songs! (That’ll be a list/blog of it’s own…I promise!) However, hidden among the talented modern artists of today, some of which fall into the “Adult Contemporary” or
“Alternative” music categories resulting in much less radio time, are some true love song gems…you just need to listen! Or really, you just need to have someone share them with you 
Many songs could make a “Modern Wedding Song” list; ideas from other music lovers as well as other DJs too. I don’t claim to know them all! I only claim to know some of the heart tugging and tear jerking greats! :-)
Everybody does a “Top 10”, not me! I share with you 23 (I like being different) of my picks, in no particular order; songs with a modern twist from artists within the last several years that would make for a truly great Wedding Song. I’ve even included Youtube links to make your listening experience a simple click away! I hope you enjoy this list and the emotions these songs evoke, as much as I enjoyed …tearfully at times…putting it together! (Hey, I’m a hopeless romantic!) I hope that somewhere here, you find the perfect song to share a first dance to… as Mr. & Mrs.!
WARNING: At 23 songs, this post is LONG! But so darn good! To Save, Share or Print, here’s the PDF:
https://tarafeeley.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/TFE-Modern-Wedding-Songs1.pdf
P.S.: This list & listening experience is best enjoyed in a dimly lit room with fiancé & a tasty adult beverage!
1. You Are The Best Thing– Ray LaMontagne More upbeat than most traditional wedding songs, Ray’s voice along with his lyrics speak loudly about finding the single best thing in life… YOU! Perfect for obvious reasons, but also perfect for the couple who wants a more fun and upbeat first dance. http://youtu.be/vJ3xTjvj9tw
2. I Won’t Give Up- Jason Mraz These lyrics couldn’t speak any louder as to what true commitment means. Enough said!! http://youtu.be/O1-4u9W-bns
3. Overjoyed – Matchbox 20 I’ve liked this Rock group since their 1st hit in 1996! The song sings of a love that hasn’t completely happened yet, but is on the brink as Jacob’s lyrics express how “overjoyed” he would be if she let him be the one http://youtu.be/qg6r-IeH7ss
4. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri If you’re a Twilight movie fan, you already know how incredibly
moving this song and its lyrics are; about finally allowing yourself to “fall” and embracing it. The innocence in her voice only adds to the beauty of this song. (One of my favorites to sing as a first dance when couples ask me) http://youtu.be/rtOvBOTyX00
5. Lego House- Ed Sheeran There really isn’t a bad song on this whole album; it’s full of love songs! This just happens to be my favorite. “I’m going to paint you by numbers and color you in”, great lyrics! http://youtu.be/c4BLVznuWnU
6. Mirrors– Justin Timberlake Who doesn’t love Justin!?!? He’s definitely more Top 40 mainstream…but you can’t deny this song totally works for a wedding song!! This rhythmic up-tempo tune is perfectly well written to convey the idea that his ideal love is a reflection of his own self when looking into “mirrors”! (The video says it all) http://youtu.be/uuZE_IRwLNI
7. Your Song- Ellie Goulding This song belongs to Sir Elton John, but English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding’s rendition is quite beautiful! (She sang it at the Royal Wedding in 2010!) Her fresh voice singing, “How wonderful life is now that you’re in the world” makes this classic song a Wedding Song all over again with its moving modern feel. http://youtu.be/D9AFMVMl9qE
8. Wanted- Hunter Hayes A Country lover’s fav, this great song will even win non-Country fans over! More upbeat of a love song if you’re looking to stay away from something mellow, but Hunter’s lyrics are what get me. He sings about wanting to make you “feel wanted”…not just simply loved! http://youtu.be/ruyaKdPfTN4
9. Stay With You– John Legend An R&B fav!! From his debut album almost 9 years ago, this song still remains one of his most romantic love songs and will continue to “stay” around for many more years to come. Another great song whose lyrics speak of a love so strong, there’s no breaking it…no matter what comes! http://youtu.be/nT1Oozijsy0
10. Little Things- One Direction YES, I put One Direction here! Most might obviously count this song right out, but if you close your eyes and really “listen” to this song, it just might bring a smile to your face and remind you of all the “little things” about your lover that make you fall in love all over again… every day! http://youtu.be/xGPeNN9S0Fg
11. Ho Hey- The Lumineers This Indie Rock group hit mainstream success with this song in early 2013, and its no wonder why! “I belong with you, you belong with me” set behind a fun folksy beat is AWESOME! http://youtu.be/zvCBSSwgtg4
12. You and Me– Dave Matthews Band Though popular, this song didn’t blow up as much as I thought it would. And really, it makes it that much more of a gem I think! Dave speaks about the ideal relationship…the couple that “can do anything”… together! http://youtu.be/7f4TItnxVOw
13. Us Against The World- Coldplay From their 5th album, Mylo Xyloto, this great song is typical of their
terrifically well-written material, with lyrics that are romantic, though seem complex upon first listen. http://youtu.be/b-snQWuNP4g
14. Lovesong– Adele Holy Awesome 1980s cover!!! I’m such a huge fan of The Cure’s original version, as well as 311’s cover in the 1990’s, but the hopeless romantic…and singer…that I am, is so in love with Adele’s rendition of this song. From her insanely popular “21” album two years ago, it’s a modern and romantic twist on a song whose lyrics speak of how deeply one feels on the
inside for another. The music alone could give goose bumps! http://youtu.be/MjJUxczKAYE
15. Look After You- The Fray Most known for one of their popular tunes, How to Save a Life, this slow to mid-tempo love song is definitely a wedding song contender! “You’ve begun to feel like home”, my favorite line! http://youtu.be/Vl7spqkXgpY
16. Bless The Broken Road– Rascal Flatts Another Country, this one more mainstream and definitely a bit older, which doesn’t exactly make it totally modern, yet this song ALWAYS makes a list from me! Written in 1994 & recorded by many, this 2005 version was a billboard hit, and it’s no surprise as to why! With lyrics that speak of all love’s past bumpy roads that ultimately have “led me straight to you”, you can’t not consider this as a wedding song. And since Country often gets overlooked, it makes my Modern Wedding Song list J (And it’s another favorite of mine to sing when couples ask me to.) http://youtu.be/lZp6pmgbZyU
17. Marry Me– Train This rock group’s 1st hit came 15yrs ago! And they’re still going strong! Most popular for their rock tunes, one listen to the guitar on this romantic song complete with a pledge of love and marriage…and you’re sold! http://youtu.be/-gEIHgVAkJE
18. So Easy- Phillip Phillips This season 11 American Idol winner has several amazing songs he’s co-written, and I’m pretty sure you can pick any of them as a Wedding Song! But this one…the climactic tempo change on the chorus coupled with lyrics, “You’re the reason I believe in something I don’t know. You make it so easy to fall so hard”, make this one my favorite to recommend as a wedding song…hands down! http://youtu.be/hG83GAGGfy4
19. Come Away With Me– Norah Jones Mainstream and 11 years old, it still remains a popular romantic song and always makes any suggestion list! Why? Because if there’s ever a song that can, in an instant, grab you and take you away to some secluded romantic and peaceful place…all in your mind…it’s this one! Oh, and she sings of taking her lover with her, hence the title “come away with me” http://youtu.be/c1V5Wk9gb4U
20. Never Let Me Go– Florence & The Machine This English Indie Rock Band and its lead singer are amazing! Her voice is sweet and shy yet bold and strong all at the same time. In this song, their lyrics of water and falling under speak metaphorically of love; slipping underneath into the waters and oceans of love. If you’re a lover of intricate lyrics with depth, this song is definitely a winner! http://youtu.be/zMBTvuUlm98
21. Have A Little Faith In Me– John Hiatt I guess by today’s 2013 standards, this song would be considered an oldie since it
debuted in 1987. He may not be mainstream, but this Rockabilly/Blues artist is still going strong today recording new material & touring! This song is BY FAR his best love song, in my opinion, and one of my favorite love songs ever! When all else fails and you doubt most everything, have a little faith in me! It’s a tear jerking beautiful sentiment from man to woman…and makes for a perfect wedding song. http://youtu.be/7aYxMuLb3h8
22. Old-Fashioned– Cee-lo Green Here’s another more mainstream artist, but one you wouldn’t think of first when deciding on a wedding song. I love the song title, because it’s not only the kind of love he sings of…which in and of itself is awesome… but the music and feel of the song is reminiscent of the soul sound of the 1960’s. It brings you right back to the days of Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles! http://youtu.be/gUAuZ2qWvsk
23. Carries On– Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros Another great Indie Rock band, their most popular hit was 2009’s “Home”, off the same album, Up From Below. It’s a great song, but I love it more for its lyrics…
because despite anything and everything, their love “carries on”. http://youtu.be/cpZcO_OSIcA
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